Matt Calkins resigned from The Seattle Times after accusing the newspaper of refusing to publish his column on women’s sports activists. Calkins, who worked for the publication for 11 years, stated that the inability to publish the column hindered his ability to fulfill his role.
His column highlighted two Washington student-athletes who opposed transgender girls competing in female sports. This topic gained national attention when they attended a Seattle Storm WNBA game to support Sophie Cunningham’s advocacy for sex-separated sports.
Calkins argued that supporting separated sports competitions is not inherently hostile to transgender individuals. He described his attempts to convey this perspective through the voices of young athletes, aiming to amplify their experiences.
Calkins told Fox News Digital, “I tried to write a column through the eyes of two student athletes who were kind of speaking out against biological males in girls’/women’s sports. Six days after submission, they told me it wouldn’t run because I didn’t notify them in advance. I didn’t accept that excuse.”
He aimed to provide a platform for girls challenging the presence of trans athletes in women’s sports. Calkins stated that such voices are often suppressed in mainstream media, demonstrating a repeated pattern in his experiences with the publication regarding tackling controversial issues.
Despite these challenges, he expressed no ill feelings toward his former editors, acknowledging the pressure they face with divisive topics. However, Calkins noted increasing constraints on the variety of opinions he could bring to his role due to potential public backlash.
The controversy involving Calkins’ column began ahead of a July 28 game between the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever. At a supporting rally for Sophie Cunningham, Calkins gathered perspectives, including Ahnaleigh Wilson, a 16-year-old athlete who had competed against a transgender peer, and Frances Staudt, who declined play against a transgender opponent.
Wilson later reported a confrontation with Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton, leading to an apology and Keaton’s suspension by the WNBA. This incident inspired Calkins to write the column, which he later shared on Substack post-resignation.
As Washington state voters prepare to vote on Initiative IL26-638, which addresses who can participate in certain school sports, Calkins’ situation raises questions about editorial decisions and the freedom of newspaper columnists. Without solid professional plans after leaving, Calkins intends to continue independent writing.
Sports reporter Jackson Thompson contributed to the narrative, covering key political and cultural sports issues.